Friday, October 31, 2014

I met Emily back in September when I was in New York for fashion week. She is an accessories designer based in New York for her brand E.Kammeyer Accessories, and might be one of the most fabulous ladies there is! Not to mention, she has a real talent-- her jewelry and accessories are gorgeous... Did I mention she makes them all... by hand. Right in New York City, too. Talk about some major talent, there!

After I left New York, she was so sweet and sent me one of her necklaces. Needless to say, I've been wearing this simple, yet awesome pop of color everywhere. I get so many compliments when I have it on.

The outfit in the above photos is what I wore one Saturday morning when I was meeting some girls from my high school alma mater. They are currently seniors and I was so flattered when they asked to interview me for the newspaper! It's coming out soon and I can't wait to read their article. It was also really fun to talk about what is going on with the high school-- they are currently redoing the entire thing which is great, but also kind of makes me sad because it won't look the same at all when they're done with it... ahh that's what happens as we all get older, isn't it? It was also fun, because the girls were headed to homecoming that night, so it was fun to hear about what they were wearing and who they were going with! Ohhh to be in high school again ;) I can't believe it was SIX years since I was in their shoes. That makes me feel downright old!!

The morning was cooler, but not cold enough that I needed a coat, so I threw on this super fuzzy sweater. It's definitely been on heavy rotation this fall. It's very casual but the coziness factor gives even the best cashmere a run for its' money. Since it was early in the morning, I threw on my glasses... I'm always reaching for them early in the mornings and then again late at night. To me, this was the perfect, cozy, casual going-for-coffee outfit. What do you wear on mornings like that? Have a fabulous day!

Readers often e-mail me and ask me for less pricey options to what I share on Summer Wind. It is my goal to feature all sorts of price ranges... part of my personal style is that I like mixing high and low together. I believe in purchasing quality pieces that will last for years, but also like to occasionally try out trends.

I've found two items from L.L. Bean that are very comparable to two 'splurges' that I have made. I thought I would share these with you because they are quality pieces but also inexpensive as compared to the competitors.

A polo coat is a unisex classic. It's definitely not a popular coat for 24 year old woman, but I love it. It's uber preppy, somewhat of an '80s/'90s throwback (but also still very timeless) and also not so 'fashion-forward'.

I love mine from Brooks Brothers (see it styled here, here, here). I wore it for the first time yesterday because it was a very crisp day. I paired it with an old J. Crew top and these pants, which have the same name as my sister, Callie. They might be the most flattering pants ever! I wear them for work and on weekends with pumps and a fun top. Anyways, I got the coat last year, and it was definitely a splurge, but I wanted a true camel hair version (they are hard to come by).

However, this coat is a great and a much more affordable version. One suggestion that I have is that I would find really cool buttons and take it to the tailor to have the buttons swapped out. The buttons on this L.L. Bean version are lackluster, but replacing the buttons will make all the difference! Horn/tortoise buttons are the most classic option for a coat like this. I love the sporty elegance that a camel polo coat has. Check out this pin and this pin for some styling inspiration; I'm obsessed with pairing it with a camel cashmere sweater and also all black. Have a fabulous day!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

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I have worn this outfit several times already. I love it so much. This skirt (last seen here) takes on a completely different look because I left the sweater untucked (not that I would ever really tuck the sweater in...).

I also love the chunky knit with bare legs. It's the perfect type of outfit to wear during this transitional period and the proportions are balanced. I always try and go as long as I pull it off.

This chunky, boyfriend-feel/tunic style of sweater is very 'in' right now. It's pretty much everywhere and there's good reason for it. 1. you're cozy-warm, 2. it pairs with everything from denim to leather pants to cocktail skirts. You really can't go wrong with this type of sweater. Not to mention, this one is priced way below many other options and there are a bunch of colors to choose from.

Besides the sweater, I am beyond obsessed with this blackwatch plaid tote. If you've been reading here for a while, then you know that blackwatch plaid is one of my favorite tartans. It's understated and classic and I wear it as if it were a neutral. I love the fact that this tote can be personalized, too..makes for a great gift! I love the idea of getting this tote as a gift for someone and then putting another gift inside.. it would look sooo pretty sitting under the tree or would be perfect for a bride-to-be with her new initials.

What have you been wearing during the fall season? Have a fabulous day!

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

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I'm sharing another Nordstrom denim look today. I'm wearing the same pair of denim from this post but styling it a bit differently this time around. Obviously, any pair of denim is one of the most versatile pieces in a closet, so it's fun to try and see just how many ways you can style any given pair.

This pair is definitely versatile in that it can be dressed up or down because of the fit and wash. This is a look I threw on for a Saturday of shopping, coffee dates and errands. I was out the door at 9am for a jam packed, but beautiful day, so I wanted to make sure I had layers that I could shed when it warmed up later in the day.

I kept it pretty neutral, but added a pop of color with my shoes. I'm pining for a neutral pair of varina's, but glad I went with the pop of color for this look! Have a fabulous day!

Yours,

*Thank you to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.

Monday, October 27, 2014

I have to admit... I'm totally one of 'those people' that wears an outfit like this with no intentions of actually breaking a sweat. However, my bff Dana and I have been going on frequent walks... part exercise (she is getting married!!!!!!!), but a great way for us to catch up, too. Sometimes we make the destination a local coffee shop, but sometimes we just do a few loops around the neighborhood.

Anyways, I always throw on something that looks put together in case we decide to go for coffee but that I can still be active in. Enter Devon Maryn. By far one of my new favorite brands. Devon sent me these yoga pants and they might be the most comfortable pants ever. So soft and stretchy as well as flattering. Not to mention Devon Maryn specializes in 'preppy' activewear. The yoga crops I'm sporting in this post have colorful lobsters down the side and around the waist. Couldn't really get any cuter!

This would be a great gift idea for those who are sporty but also girly. You really can never have too many pairs of yoga pants. I would have loved these in high school for cheerleading practice and in college to wear to the gym. Now, I not only wear them to break a sweat, but when I'm out and about running errands, too.

Devon Maryn offers free shipping which always seals the deal for me as well as adorable shorts. I've added these red, white and blue anchor shorts to the top of my wish list! As far as sizing goes, I am wearing a size small. I would say they run very true to size and are super stretchy for a perfect fit. Have you checked out Devon Maryn yet? Have a fabulous day!

Saturday, October 25, 2014

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I'm starting to get into the 'holiday spirit. Ok, I'm pushing it, I know.

I received Neiman Marcus's Christmas book this week so that has me all revved up... not to mention, stores are starting to roll out their holiday lines and gift guides and I'm already so into it... although, let's not rush it. I've been trying to shop for others this last quarter of the year, however, today features a lot of stuff I've been eyeing for, admittedly, myself. What have you been loving this week? Have a fabulous day!

Friday, October 24, 2014

I drink a lot of coffee, tea and diet coke. We're talking at least 3 cups of coffee a day. So, when Crest reached out to me to participate in their 2 Weeks to Your Whitest Smile Challenge, I was all about participating. I used to have super white teeth. I would always get compliments on how white they were. But since drinking so much coffee, my teeth have seen better days.

Here are two completely unfiltered 'selfies' to serve as my before photos.. my teeth for some reason photograph way whiter than they really are... but I assure you they're not as white as they look! The outcome is supposed to be comparable to a $500 whitening treatment at the actual dentist. So fingers crossed, that's what happens! For the next 14 days, I will be putting the strips on once a day for an hour and brushing with the toothpaste. I'll report back after the 14 days are over and fingers crossed the claims are true!